Perception+vs.+Reality+essay

=Perception vs. Reality Compare/Contrast Essay=

To wrap up our study of perception vs. reality, you will write a compare/contrast essay that looks closely at two out of the three stories we read. Simply put, your essay should answer the following questions: what do these stories have to say about perception vs. reality, and how are their messages similar or different?

For more information on writing a compare/contrast essay, check out the handout created by the UNC Writing Center.

[ Directions ]

 * 1) Choose two of the three stories we read that you feel you understand well enough to write about.
 * 2) Brainstorm about what your chosen stories have to say about perception and reality. Questions you might want to consider include:
 * Is one better than the other? If so, how and/or why?
 * What are the benefits and drawbacks of perception and reality?
 * What problems might one or the other cause?
 * 1) Develop a theme for each story that relates to the topic of perception vs. reality in some way. (In other words, come up with a one-sentence statement explaining what each story says about the idea of perception vs. reality.)
 * 2) Organize your ideas using the interactive compare/contrast map. Be sure to read carefully about the different types of compare/contrast essays and choose the structure that makes the most sense for your information.
 * 3) Write the rough draft of your essay. In each of your body paragraphs, include at least one direct quotation from one of the stories as a supporting detail.
 * 4) Revise and edit your own writing.
 * 5) Conduct at least two peer conferences to get feedback.
 * 6) Type your final draft, making any necessary changes from your rough draft as you go.
 * 7) Email your final draft as an attachment to cecwriters@gmail.com with the subject heading "Perception vs. Reality Essay."

[ Requirements ]

 * Length: 300-500 words (1-1.5 pages)
 * Formatting: Times New Roman 12, double spaced, 1" margins
 * Your essay must contain an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
 * Each body paragraph must contain at least one direct quote from one of the stories as a supporting detail.

[ Grading and Due Date ]
Your essay will be graded using the ReadWriteThink essay rubric and will count toward the Papers and Projects portion of your grade. Rough draft due: Thursday, September 8 Final draft due: Monday, September 12